Kings center DeMarcus Cousins will create challenges for the Magic

Josh Robbins | Orlando Magic BasketBlogOrlando Sentinel

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — This isn’t the optimal time for the Orlando Magic to play the Sacramento Kings.

Kings center DeMarcus Cousins can wreak havoc on an opposing team at any time, but the Magic will be especially vulnerable when the teams face off tonight at Sleep Train Arena. Orlando’s starting center, Nik Vucevic, will miss his second game in a row because of a concussion.

Cousins is averaging 23.5 points, 11.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game this season, and the task of guarding him likely will fall on Glen Davis, Jason Maxiell or Kyle O’Quinn.

“He’s a load,” Magic coach Jacque Vaughn said after his team completed its shootaround moments ago.

“If you watch just the simple possessions in the game of just a free-throw line box-out, Glen’s got to box him out in that situation,” Vaughn said. “His ability to shoot the basketball [is impressive].”